Cybex Fitness Blog

You love music. You love to workout.

Let the music move you.

The relationship between music and movement is timeless. When we hear a beat our body responds - and we move. When it comes to our workouts, music helps us to find our rhythm by keeping us on the fitness beat (sometimes literally). As exercisers, music is major force in motivating us to stay focused, strong and engaged.

But music has not always been so well loved through the ages. Banned, outlawed or scorned, the beats and rythms that moves us to action have often been referred to as "behavioral corruption". Take the movie Footloose for example. (Did you see the recent remake? Awesome!) Thankfully, we know better.

Music's value is in how it help us improve our lives. Research shows that music not only makes us move, it improves our relationship with memory,mathematical achievement, reading ability, intelligence ratings, grades and test scores in educational settings. For fitness value, try the following services and enjoy the benefits of a strong and consistent training tempo.

MixCloud

Not only can you take advantage of music lists curated by members of the community, you the listener can become the DJ when you create, curate and share your own favorites with the group. Spin masters have the option of adding their music to the MIX alongside a growing group of music masters. You can also follow their most popular cloudcasts and podcasts as well as recommend those that you like through your own social circles.

Whether you choose to upload and promote your favorites or simply listen along, MIXCLOUD is your home for re-thinking radio. Click HERE to visit the site. (www.mixcloud.com)

FIT Radio

Self-described as the best way to "amp-up" your workout, FIT Radio offers several channels including Top 40, Electronic, and Dub Step. Designed for fitness folks, this free app offers upbeat music that works well with any workout. Click HERE to visit the site. (www.fitradio.com)

Jog.fm

Unlike the competition, JOG.FM allows you to choose you music according to your unique minute mile and BPM requirements. For runners, joggers, walkers and finger tappers, keeping cadence means everything. By keeping a steady pace in long distance events, athletes have been shown to more efficiently consume and extend oxygen capacity. Click HERE to visit the site. (jog.fm)

TIP

Use services beyond your comfort zone & explore the social benefits.

Bonus features are worth exploring such as following playlists crafted by your favorite Group Fitness instructor. You never know - your "follow" online may be your ticket to the front line putting you at the head of the class.